Argentina had the initiative and dominated their opponents early in the game. However, Colombia was the team that produced the first opportunity. In the seventh minute, Jhon Cordoba took advantage of his teammate’s wall to shot and hit the post. Argentina’s defence continued to open up openings in the 13th minute. Carlos Cuesta’s close-range header was not tricky enough to beat Emiliano Martinez.

Colombia is not afraid to take on Argentina.

Argentina’s first chance came in the twentieth minute. Messi received the ball in the penalty area and took a strong shot. Julian Alvarez jumped to prevent it, but accidentally blocked the ball, denying Argentina the opportunity to open the scoring.

In the 32nd minute, Emiliano Martinez’s goal was shook again. The Aston Villa custodian had to fly as far as he could to stop Lerma’s “cannon shot” from around 20 metres away.

Messi played through the pain.

Messi played through the pain.

Messi played through the pain.

Messi played through the pain.

Messi played through his agony.

Messi was injured in the final minutes of the first half after receiving a kick from a Colombian defender. Despite the anguish, the superstar born in 1987 continued to play. Outside the field, coach Lionel Scaloni also let Lautaro Martinez warm up, just in case.

The first half finished 0-0. Argentina failed to register a single shot on target.

Argentina increased their attack after the second half began. Angel Di Maria got two opportunities for the blue and white striped team. However, the Benfica star could not overcome the efforts of the opposing goalkeeper and defenders.

In the deadlock, Argentina suffered a heavy loss when Lionel Messi had to leave the field. The celebrity born in 1987 was unable to continue the match due to soreness suffered at the end of the first half. After returning to the technical area, Messi covered his face and cried.

In the 76th minute, Messi’s replacement, Nicolas Gonzalez, scored against Colombia. While the players, fans and coaching staff of Argentina were celebrating, the linesman raised his flag to signal an offside by a player from the defending champions.

The score remained at 0-0 till the end of the official time. In the first extra time, Argentina attacked fiercely but only had one chance. Nicolas Gonzalez shot from close range but was still saved by goalkeeper Vargas.

Lautaro played the hero from the bench.

Lautaro played the hero from the bench.

Lautaro played the hero from the bench.

In the 112th minute, Paredes produced an accurate interception in the middle of the pitch, allowing Argentina to counter-attack. Lo Celso sent the ball slightly wide to Lautaro, who ran down and finished diagonally to open the scoring.

Paredes, Lo Celso, and Lautaro, Argentina’s three goalscorers, all came off the bench in the 97th minute.

Argentina won the 2024 Copa América final. Messi and his colleagues resumed their winning streak with a third consecutive major championship (Copa America 2021, World Cup 2022, and Copa America 2024). This feat is similar to what the golden generation of the Spanish team achieved more than a decade ago (Euro 2008, 2012 and World Cup 2010).

Argentina also surpassed Uruguay as the team with the most Copa America championships (16 titles).

List of players on the field for both teams.